Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 91,635	$ (84,031)	$ (588,181)
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains on marketable securities, net of tax of $(2.7) million, $(3.8) million and zero, respectively	6,954	17,395	249
Unrealized (losses) gains on foreign currency forward contracts, net of tax of $3.4 million, $(3.9) million and zero, respectively	(26,530)	7,736	1,767
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(13,169)	(5,782)	(1,109)
Total changes in other comprehensive (loss) income	(32,745)	19,349	907
Comprehensive income (loss)	58,890	(64,682)	(587,274)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	171,849	(28,021)	31,847
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vertex	$ 230,739	$ (92,703)	$ (555,427)